Plenary priorities 14-17 September 2026
State of the European Union - Renew Europe calls on the President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen to present a credible plan turning European ambition into visible results. The group frames a choice between united action or fragmentation, favouring confidence and delivery over defeatism.
Our key priorities:
-Boosting economic opportunity by supporting industry;
-Easing Single Market barriers and investing in future skills;
-Lowering energy bills through clean power, modern grids and reduced import dependence;
-Strengthening security via support for Ukraine, NATO's European pillar and EU defence capacity;
-Increasing affordable housing supply;
-Securing an EU budget matching these ambitions.
Renew also warns that the far right is gaining ground, as shown by the recent election in Saxony-Anhalt. Simply condemning is not enough - people need real answers and a credible vision for the future.
State of the Union, statement by the President of the Commission, Wednesday 16 September, 9:00
A stronger partnership with Canada - starting now ! Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit the European Parliament next week, as Canada's relationship with the United States sours under Donald Trump's confrontational approach - pushing Ottawa to seek stronger ties with Europe instead.
Renew Europe wants the EU to seize the moment.
First, finish ratifying CETA, the EU-Canada trade deal - ten countries still haven't - and help businesses use it, since too many don't know the opportunities it offers.
Second, invest jointly in Canada's raw materials, energy, clean tech, AI, digital infrastructure and defence, as Canada moves away from relying on the US.
Third, build a "one for all" trade defence pact with Canada and other democracies to counter political tariffs.
Finally, Renew wants the EU to go further than CETA, with a full EU-Canada Strategic Association - the closest partnership the EU offers outside Europe.
Stronger EU-Canada ties would make Europe more independent and resilient.
Speech by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the plenary session, Thursday 17 September 2026
Addressing hybrid warfare and protecting critical infrastructure - Russia, Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea are waging a hidden war on Europe. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, we've seen explosive drones near airports, sabotage of factories and infrastructure, and disinformation designed to spread fear and divide Europeans. The goal: weaken support for Ukraine and our democracies. Yet Europe still has no real, coordinated response - and our adversaries know it.
Renew Europe says it's time to fight back with a bold, unified plan to protect our infrastructure, our societies and our way of life.
Action needed on global warming, climate change mitigation and preparedness - Extreme heat, wildfires and droughts are no longer rare - they're Europe's new normal. Renew Europe says waiting to react is not enough: we need better forest management, early-warning systems, and infrastructure built to withstand extreme heat, plus more resources for firefighters. Citizens also need affordable cooling, greener cities, and resilient schools and hospitals - alongside faster cuts to emissions and a real shift to clean energy. It's shameful that the centre-right and far right recently blocked a resolution on this summer's devastating wildfires.
A healthier future for women - Women have long been overlooked in medical research, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment that doesn't account for sex and gender differences. Renew Europe wants this fixed: more women in clinical trials, mandatory training for healthcare professionals, better sex-disaggregated data, and a fully-funded EU women's health strategy. This is also about rights - Renew Europe defends access to safe, legal and accessible abortion, backing the My Voice, My Choice initiative. Closing the gap means better care for millions of women, stronger health systems, and more innovation and growth for Europe.